EcoQuest Challenge Archive 2018
EcoQuests, part of the NYC EcoFlora Project, challenge New Yorkers to become community scientists and observe, study and help conserve the native plants and animals of the City, using iNaturalist, an easy-to-use mobile app.
The New York City EcoFlora project is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [MG-70-19-0057-19].
Bear Down on Bittersweet - December 2018
Asian Bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) is an aggressive invasive woody vine that kills trees by outcompeting for water, strangling trunks, smothering the canopy, and causing damage during wind and ice storms. Invaded woodlands are destroyed limb by limb, tree by tree until there are none standing. Asian Bittersweet seeds are dispersed by birds, yard waste, and
discarded holiday wreaths.
Pursue Porcelain-berry - November 2018
Porcelain-berry (Ampelopsis glandulosa) was introduced to North America from Asia in 1887 as a ground cover and horticultural curiosity. In recent years it has become one of the most destructive invasive plants in the eastern United States. Like Kudzu, another non-native invasive vine, it smothers trees and within a few years can transform a forest into an unhealthy monoculture.
Watch for White Snakeroot - October 2018
From abandoned lots to pristine woodlands, drifts of snow-white flowers set against deep-green foliage make White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima) recognizable everywhere it grows. This hardy, late-blooming native wildflower hosts the White Snakeroot Leafminer (Liriomyza eupatoriella). Larvae of the fly create distinctive serpentine leaf tracings but do not diminish the plant’s vigor or reproductive capacity—an ecological relationship called commensalism.
Find Fraxinus - September 2018
Ash trees (Fraxinus) across North America are threatened with extinction by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a small, metallic-green beetle. NYBG and NYC Parks are teaming up to collect and store Ash fruit for research on resistance to EAB and for potential future restoration. Observations of Ash fruit (pictured) from naturally growing trees will help researchers identify trees for conservation.
Monitor Milkweeds - August 2018
In 1800 there were 11 Milkweed species (Asclepias) in New York City; four have not been documented in more than 50 years and are thought to be extinct; and only three are commonly found. North America’s iconic Monarchs (pictured) and other Butterflies require Milkweed plants for survival. How many Milkweed species can you find?
Tracking Tree of Heaven - July 2018
Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is the quintessential urban tree. Native to China, it has spread across the world, thrives under adversity, and grows very rapidly. It is also the preferred host for Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive insect that threatens crops and forests, first found near Philadelphia in 2014 but not yet documented in New York State.
Look for Laurel - June 2018
The Laurel family (Lauraceae) are trees and shrubs best known for their aromatic products bay leaves and cinnamon. Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) and Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) are indigenous to eastern North America from Maine to Texas and are the preferred host for larvae of the Spicebush Swallowtail Butterfly (pictured).
May is for Mayapple - May 2018
Some might remember when Mayapple plants (Podophyllum peltatum) were a rare treat in New York City. Their unusual leaves and preference for secluded, shady woods made them seem all the more exotic. This hardy native species is now being used more frequently in restoration plantings, and it is not uncommon to seem them in some of our busiest parks. How many can you find?
City Nature Challenge - April 2018
The City Nature Challenge is a global competition to find out which city can observe the most nature during a 4-day weekend, April 27th to April 30th. Last year, New York City finished in ninth place out of 16 US cities and this year we are hoping to be number one! We need your help. Any observation of a plant, animal, fungus or lichen made anywhere in NYC before May 1st is welcome.
Look for Lamium - March 2018
Deadnettle is the common name for the mint genus Lamium, which comprises about 25 species native to Eurasia. Some species resemble nettles, but lack the stinging hairs of Urtica; hence they are “dead.”
Hunt for Hedera - February 2018
English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a European vine often planted as a ground cover and a wall climber. Until recently the species was confined primarily to homes and gardens, but in the past several years, it has begun to invade natural areas.
Sweetgum Sightings - January 2018
The American Sweetgum is a large tree native to eastern North America and the mountains of Mexico and Central America. The trees are a critical resource for numerous organisms, from fungi to large mammals.
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